Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining a tendency to tilt about the longitudinal axis and a tendency to turn about the vertical axis of a vehicle. The detection system is characterized by a lateral acceleration sensor producing a lateral acceleration signal, a yaw rate sensor producing a yaw rate signal, a steering angle sensor producing a steering angle signal, wheel speed sensors producing the rotation signals of the wheels, and which includes a controller which, in response to the steering angle, the steering velocity and the vehicle speed, determines a tendency to tilt about the longitudinal axis of a vehicle and which, in response to the lateral acceleration sensor, the yaw rate sensor, the steering angle sensor and the wheel speed sensors determines the tendency to turn about the vertical axis of the vehicle, and with the controller generating a triggering signal for at least one passenger protection means depending on the extent of these tendencies.

Abstract: A shelf for refrigerating appliances, in particular a bottle shelf for a bottle-storage cabinet, has a frame, formed by transverse and longitudinal struts, and a plurality of trays which are retained one beside the other between two transverse struts of the frame and are intended for accommodating in each case one bottle. At least one of the transverse struts, over at least part of its cross section, is formed by an extruded profile made of a material that has a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the longitudinal struts.

Abstract: A method and device serves to reduce damage caused by an accident, in which a vehicle driver is unable to bring the vehicle that has had an accident into a safe position. A system intervenes in an appropriate manner into the motional behavior of the vehicle, influencing the latter in such a way that the vehicle can be brought into a safe position without the cooperation of the driver (autonomously).

Abstract: In a method for determining at least one, preferably however several driver-independent interventions in a vehicle system, a risk calculator is used, whose input is supplied with predetermined vehicle data, ambience data, current vehicle and driver data, occupant data or data of persons outside the vehicle, or similar data. The risk calculator issues an evaluation of the risk situation of the vehicle and its occupants or the persons outside the vehicle based on said data and, in accordance with the evaluation and optional additional criteria or weightings, outputs driving signals controlling actuators that modify or trigger the driving behavior of the vehicle and/or the occupant protection system and/or protection means for other traffic participants (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) in such a way that maximum protection is obtained for the persons and the vehicle according to a priority control.

Abstract: In a method and a device for assisting a vehicle to start on a slope, a vehicle brake torque is changed corresponding to an estimated vehicle driving torque in consideration of a downgrade torque. The method is executed with the following steps of determining a vehicle driving torque reference value, comparing the reference value with the estimated vehicle driving torque, and influencing the brake torque in accordance with the comparison result (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention proposes a process for determining the driving torque of a vehicle as it is starting. This process and device uses a model of the idling properties of the engine, a comparing element for the output values of the model and corresponding measured values or values derived therefrom, and a determining element for determining the driving torque of the vehicle according to the results of the comparison. Furthermore, the invention discloses a process and device for determining an externally generated variable that drives or brakes the vehicle as well as for supporting uphill starting. In addition, processes and devices for determining externally generated variables/torques as well as for supporting uphill starting are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for assisting a vehicle to start on a slope, wherein a vehicle brake torque is changed corresponding to an estimated vehicle driving torque in consideration of a downgrade torque.

Abstract: A shelf for refrigerating appliances, in particular a bottle shelf for a bottle-storage cabinet, has a frame, formed by transverse and longitudinal struts, and a plurality of trays which are retained one beside the other between two transverse struts of the frame and are intended for accommodating in each case one bottle. At least one of the transverse struts, over at least part of its cross section, is formed by an extruded profile made of a material that has a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the longitudinal struts.

Abstract: To implement a brake system having an electric parking brake function as well as comfort-oriented, brake-specific driver assistance functions (starting-traction control, hill holder, parking assistance, etc.), it is especially required to further process input data relating to the driving condition of the motor vehicle and being used to detect the driver's request within an integrated control device in such a way that an operation of the brake system which is reliable and takes the driving situation into consideration is ensured. To this end, the electronic control device that serves to generate control signals for a subsequent actuator device which is connected to the wheel brakes is designed in a modular manner. The control device contains individual software modules which evaluate and further process the input data recorded by the control device.

Abstract: The invention proposes a process for determining the driving torque of a vehicle as it is starting, comprising the steps of determining the idling properties of the engine on the basis of a model, comparing the output values of the model with corresponding measured values or values derived therefrom, and determining the driving torque of the vehicle according to the comparison. A device for determining the driving torque of a vehicle as it is starting is proposed, wherein this device exhibits a model of the idling properties of the engine, a comparing element for the output values of the model and corresponding measured values or values derived therefrom, and a determining element for determining the driving torque of the vehicle according to the results of the comparison. Furthermore, the invention proposes a process and device for determining an externally generated variable that drives or brakes the vehicle as well as for supporting uphill starting.

Abstract: The invention proposes a process for determining the driving torque of a vehicle as it is starting. This process and device uses a model of the idling properties of the engine, a comparing element for the output values of the model and corresponding measured values or values derived therefrom, and a determining element for determining the driving torque of the vehicle according to the results of the comparison. Furthermore, the invention discloses a process and device for determining an externally generated variable that drives or brakes the vehicle as well as for supporting uphill starting. In addition, processes and devices for determining externally generated variables/torques as well as for supporting uphill starting are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is described for determining an externally produced value, especially a momentum, accelerating or decelerating the vehicle, with the following steps: determination of the driving performance of the vehicle on the basis of a model, comparison of the model output values with the relative measuring values or values derived from this, and determination of the externally produced value according to the result of the comparison. The corresponding device includes a model of the driving performance of the vehicle, a comparator for model output values and measuring values or values derived from these and a device for determining the externally produced value according to the result of the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a maneuvering assistance system for automotive vehicles and a method of maneuvering automotive vehicles which permit a simple and safe maneuvering of the automotive vehicle particularly during a parking procedure. The present invention is especially advantageous when the automotive vehicle needs to be maneuvered, for example, on a steep positive or negative gradient. According to the present invention, a preselected or adjustable maneuvering speed is chosen such that the driver is not surprised by unwanted reactions of the automotive vehicle. The present invention especially comprises an accelerator pedal sensor [(5)] for detecting an accelerator pedal position [(&agr;)] and a device for determining a speed [(vref)] of the vehicle.